The National tribune., 1887-10-13
A FLAG IN PRISON.
The Adventures OF the 4sth Ohio Flag at Camp
Ford, Texas.

ftfus ieAaNs
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Thinking a
correct account Of the Stars and Stripes serving
a term in Camp Ford (Texas) Prison would be
Of interest 20 the survivors of that rebel pen.
will give the details OF Its capture, prison treat
ment and escape. Ii was on Bankss famous
expedition up BED River when the 18th KY,
18th aud l30th Ill, sSth Ohio, and Chicago
Mercantile Battery were captured on the 9Th oil
April, 1864, at Sabine Cross roads, La The
color-bcarer, Isaac Scott, as the rebels were
closing in on us, tore the rogimental flag OF the
ash Ohio from the staff and gave 1t TO has
mess-mate, who concealed il IN his haversack,
where he kept il from detection all through his
march TO prison. lie was taken sick on the
way and did not reach the prison for some time
alter the Others but through all has sickness
and marches he kept il safely until he arrived
al the prison, when he delivered it TO the OIL
GERS of the regiment for safe-keeping.
A hole was dug inside their shanty, in which
the flag was buried; but prior 10 burylng IT.
and after due precaution had been taken &c
guard against detection, il was secretly dis
played to several Of the old prisoners, some OF
whom had been there two years, and their eyes
spark led and tears stole down their emaclated
checks as they gazed on that emblem Of liberty
and they went away feeling they could bear
their captivity with lighter hearts.
But the rebel guards found out we had 9
Union flag in camp and they searched for u
on several occasions, tearing up the floors and
digging up the ground in the shantics. Al
though each time failing TO find il, they were
always on the lookout for that flag; aud wher
on the 9TH of July following. while the prison
ers were celebrating the day by permission Of
the prison commander I'VE having agreed moi
+ TO refer TO the unpleasantness J, in the mids
OF the exercises file of rebel soldiers, in charge
of the Officer of the Guard, marched in front o
q a F1.g.a tvs
IL understand you had an American hal
displayed; Idemand its immediate surrender.
But he was assured that no flag had beer
/ displayed. Still he insisted. He was told tina
! il mast have been a sign of some enterprisini
! baker who had prepared some choice biscuit
! pies, ETC., TO tempt the ravenous appetites o
the prisoners. They finally left with thu
warning:
"You win be fred on by the guards indis
criminately should flag be seen displayed"
He was answered, Don't shoot until you Sc
the flag up"
But TO keep that beautiful silk flag buriet
would have ruined it; so il was taken from ID
hiding-place and sewed up in Capt Gunsaullus'
long blouse and il was worn by him all through
the remaining term of our captivity.
When the 18th Ky. and 4sth Ohio were ex
changed, Oct. %, 1864, at the mouth Of Re,
| River many Union officers, with their wives
| prisoners boarded the steamer st. Marys tn
old flag was torn from its hiding-place anC
hastily tied 90 a staff previously prepared 70
the occasion, and from the upper deck, as GU
band-from signal-played the "Star-Span
gled Banner" the flag of the 4Sth Ohio wa
unfurled 20 the breeze, with the waving 0
handkerchiefs and amid the wild shouts anC
deafeaning cheers Of the released prisoner
and groans of the rebels
No words Of tongue or pen can fally describ
the emotions of that hour 1t was an inspiring
scene, and one that will never be forgotten b!
those who witnessed it. Even the rebei agen
Of exchange, Capt. Bischeit, on his return &
Camp Ford said il was one Of the most exciting
scenes he had ever witnessed, and the regi
ment deserved great credit Another rebe
Lieutenant Of artillery who was present, ant
who no doubt had not lost all the old love 70
the Starry Banner," said TO me after it wa
| over:
81 could not have had the heart to take tina
flag from you had j discovered il on your wa,
TO exchange, for il has been pleasure TO me {
see your great JOY at its safe dcliyerance iron
prison"
The flag was afterward placed in the flag
room at the State Capitol in Columbus, o.
where il now remains. This is the only fla
j ever heard of being in Camp Ford Prison
Texas, and its history is taken from note
made at the time. THOMAS MONTGOMERY
Captain, 4Sth Ohio, Lynchburg, o.